Autism is the result of emotional deprivation or stress due to parental  rejection or cold and unemotional parents.

*Autism is a complex developmental disability involving a biological or organic defect in the functioning of the brain. Autism has nothing whatsoever to do with the way parents bring up their children. Parents do not and cannot cause autism disorders. Despite the fact that the causes of autism aren't fully understood, it is clear that a strong genetic basis may be involved. It is known that parental behaviour before, during and after pregnancy does not cause autism disorders to develop. However, on occasions it has been found that the condition can occur if there is some stress in the environment or marriage issues with the parents.

Children with autism do not care about others and prefer to be alone.

*They often care deeply but lack the ability to spontaneously develop empathic and socially connected typical behaviour. Children often want to socially interact but lack the ability to spontaneously develop effective social interaction skills. Many people with autism disorders are successfully living, working and contributing to the well being of others in their communities. This is especially possible if the child has been given appropriate support and guidance at the earliest. Also each child's need is different. The intervention program therefore should be based on the child's need.

Autism gets worse as children grow older.

*Autism is not a degenerative disorder. Children and adults with autism continuously improve with specialised, individualised services and opportunities for supported inclusion. Effective treatments started early make them competent in their adulthood. Services for adults with the features of autism need to be carefully individualised to the adult. Autism is considered as a neuro-chemical disorder and can be treated by behaviour and health management. 

Children and adults with autism are very similar to one another.

*Although all children and adults with autism have three diagnostic features in common, which are poor social interactions, lack of verbal communications and stereotyped and repetitive routines; each of them is a unique individual. People with autism differ as much from one another as do all people. They may speak and interact with others. They may have good eye contact and may be verbal or non-verbal. They may be very bright, of average intelligence or have cognitive deficits. 

The best place to educate a child with autism is in a separate programme designed for them.

*Educational services delivered to people with autism must be specifically designed for each person. Many of them do the best when their services are individualised to them and not designed to be the same for a whole group. The outcome for education for all children is to be able to belong to the community and contribute. These goals are often best met when the child with autism is educated in a community school with access to the typical children who will become the community of the future.  

If you have an autism disorder, you will not have any other disorder.

*Autism can co-occur with any other disorders. It is common to find a person with autism who also has Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, cognitive impairments, deafness, blindness and medical or seizure disorders. It can occur only as Autism also.

One can cope without any help in Autism.

*Dealing with an autistic child poses a very heavy burden on parents and the rest of the family. Left untreated, the child's condition is likely to worsen and it is important to seek a diagnosis as early as possible. This will improve the outcome as the right program can be developed for your child. Trying to deal with your child on your own will not only deteriorate the child's well-being, but also life gets stressful and out of control. Seeking help and having your child diagnosed will improve the well being of the whole family and ensure that the necessary support is available when required.

Natural therapies help Autism.

*Natural therapies like specialised education as well as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, sensory integration, behaviour modification and speech therapy do help Autism. Depending on the symptoms and the areas of developmental delay, these therapies can be extremely effective and can be combined into the overall treatment plan. The earlier they are begun the better the chances of improvement. Spinal bath along with some passive yogic exercises can help children with autism.

Homoeopathic medicines are useful in Autistic children.

*Homoeopathic medicines are quite safe. They are known to be non-allergenic, non-toxic and free of side effects. Along with other therapies such as diet and nutrition, children are much better after Homeopathic treatment. Stresses, which repeatedly cause the child to react in a consistent manner, are the key to understanding the totality. By fully perceiving the patient, a Homoeopath learns to understand that individual's cycle of stress and response. Constitutional Homoeopathic medicines are generally prescribed after a detailed evaluation.

There a relation between toxic metals/ chemicals and autism.

nAutism disorders are likely to be caused by interplay between genes and environmental factors. Children are exposed to more and more toxic metals and chemicals every day such as mercury, lead, food additives, pesticides and so on. In children with autism these toxins build up in their systems due to a "metal-metabolism" disorder. They are genetically unable to detoxify sufficiently causing neurological as well as digestive problems.

The author is a senior physician at Soukya and can be contacted at 22214625/ 22218252 or drsudha@soukya.com